Medical Studies Link Fosamax to Femur Bone Fracture

April 24, 2010

Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug manufactured by Merck, is used to treat osteoporosis. This osteoporotic drug was approved by the FDA in 1995 and has since been prescribed to millions of people. Fosamax was designed to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures that occur with osteoporosis. Recently, however, this drug has been linked to a number of low-impact femur fractures and has been found to weaken the ability of the bone to repair itself.

The Journal of Orthopedic Trauma published a study in 2008 that found a pattern of low-impact femur fractures in patients using Fosamax. The fractures were the result of falls from standing height or less. The study indicated that the longer the patient was on the drug, the more likely they were to experience this type of femur fracture.

The Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published a case study in 2009 about a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who took Fosamax for eight years and developed this specific type of femur fracture as well. In a more recent study, previous clinical trials were reviewed looking at the number of bone fractures in more than 14,000 women taking Fosamax. These researchers found incidences of Fosamax induced femur fracture, further indicating the potential risks associated with Fosamax use.

FDA Continues Investigation of Fosamax Femur Bone Fracture

Recently, Fosamax has come under surveillance by the FDA due to an increasing number of reports of low-impact femur fractures among Fosamax users. Hundreds of lawsuits are pending against Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, throughout the United States for Fosamax side effects. All of the cases have similar allegations that Merck failed to adequately research Fosamax and warn about the increased risk of bone fracture. Many of the cases involve claims regarding the link between long-term use of Fosomax and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). ONJ is a rare and painful condition of the jaw, involving decay or death of the jawbone, often requiring surgery to remove portions of the jaw.

The FDA announced that the agency is continuing to review the potential risk of Fosamax-related bone fractures to determine the seriousness of alleged complaints.

If you have experienced a femur fracture, or any other bone-related illness while on Fosamax, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Fosamax Lawsuits are currently being filed across the country.

Author

Susan Ardizzoni, Ph.D. holds a Doctorate in Biology with a major in Neuroscience (medical) and minors in Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics with experience in basic and clinical research. Although the author is not an attorney, this article was sponsored by the law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP and constitutes Attorney Advertising. To learn more about Fosamax Lawyer or Fosamax Lawsuits please visit www.ConsumerInjuryLawyers.com